Competencies - Entry Level
for Medical Laboratory Science Program

At the completion of the UTHSC Medical Laboratory Science program graduates will possess
entry level competencies necessary to perform clinical laboratory tests in all areas
of the clinical laboratory including blood bank, clinical chemistry, hematology, immunology,
microbiology, molecular diagnostics and urinalysis.

AWARENESS - Full development of the competency requires experience in daily work with moderate
direction and additional instruction.

SEMI-PRODUCTIVE - Full development of the competency requires experience in daily work with moderate
direction.

PRODUCTIVE - Full development of the competency requires only the usual orientation needed by any
new employee.

At entry level the medical laboratory scientist:

Competency
Level

III 1. IS COGNIZANT OF THE ROLE OF THE SCIENTIST, THE PHYSICIAN AND OTHER MEMBERS OF
THE HEALTH CARE TEAM IN PROVIDING PATIENT CARE OF THE HIGHEST QUALITY.
Conveys necessary clinical laboratory information to members of the health care team
directly responsible for patient care. Maintains effective communication with these
individuals so that they know how to access appropriate laboratory services.

Maintains professional attitudes toward patients and health care professionals. Keeps
all information concerning the patient confidential. Demonstrates professional attributes
in the workplace.

III 2. UNDERSTANDS PRINCIPLES AND TECHNIQUES OF CLINICAL LABORATORY METHODOLOGY IN ORDER TO RECOGNIZE PROBLEMS, IDENTIFY CAUSES AND FORMULATE SOLUTIONS.
Assumes responsibility for identification of unexpected as well as frequently occurring
problems and ensures that corrective action is taken.

Conveys information which will aid other laboratory personnel in the recognition of
problems.

III 3. VERIFIES LABORATORY RESULTS IN LIGHT OF AVAILABLE INFORMATION AND PREVIOUS LABORATORY
DATA ON THE PATIENT, PROCEDURAL LIMITATIONS AND THE POSSIBILITY OF TECHNICAL ERROR.
Has in-depth knowledge of techniques, principles, and instruments and their interrelationships.
Recognizes the interdependency of tests and has knowledge of physiological and clinical
conditions affecting test results.

Assumes responsibility and accountability for accurate results.

III 4. FACILITATES THE PERFORMANCE OF LABORATORY TESTS WITH ACCURACY AND WITHIN AN APPROPRIATE
TIME FRAME.
Recognizes the need to set priorities related to the needs of the patient, the consequences
of a delay in time of performance or reporting analyses, and the elements of effective
workflow.

II 5. UNDERSTANDS CONCEPTS OF QUALITY ASSURANCE AND EFFECTIVELY UTILIZES SUCH PROGRAMS
IN THE INTERPRETATION OF DATA AND IN PROBLEM SOLVING.
Has the ability to establish a quality assurance program, compatible with that of
the institution, to all areas of the laboratory testing process. This includes protocols
for monitoring utilization appropriateness of tests, detection and documentation of
laboratory errors, determination of the source of errors and the development of steps
to reduce such errors. Is also able to establish a protocol for assessment of quality
laboratory results through proficiency testing or other appropriate means.

Has the ability to establish and monitor quality control programs and to perform preventive
maintenance. Is able to determine the limits of accuracy and precision for any given
laboratory method. Recognizes, based on quality control data, problems, their causes
and possible solutions to the problems and works to see that solutions are implemented,
including setting guidelines for others to follow.

Is able to establish a record keeping system of quality assurance and quality control
data for immediate referral in problem solving and in keeping with requirements of
regulatory and accrediting bodies.

I 6. UNDERSTANDS AND MAINTAINS LABORATORY INFORMATION SYSTEMS
Has the communication skills to relay laboratory data to a variety of persons both
within and beyond limits of the laboratory. Is aware of the needs of other areas (nursing,
X-ray, etc.) so that the graduate can assist in the design and selection of an information
system which would allow the most efficient and accurate scheduling and reporting
of laboratory test results.

Has a basic understanding of the use of computerization in the laboratory related
to data input, retrieval and output. Has the ability, once oriented to a particular
system, to use the computer for such purposes.

III 7. IS MOTIVATED TO CONTINUE SELF EDUCATION
Recognizes the necessity for continuing Medical Laboratory Science education to maintain
high standards of technical and managerial proficiency and participates in such activities.

II 8. HAS INITIATED DEVELOPMENT OF BOTH TECHNICAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE SUPERVISORY SKILLS
Has a knowledge of basic supervisory and management functions to include planning,
organization, direction, coordination and evaluation. Understands the role of each
individual in the organizational structure of the laboratory and how this relates
to the structure of the institution as a whole.

I 9. HAS INITIATED DEVELOPMENT OF BOTH BENCH AND FORMAL TEACHING SKILLS
Has knowledge of basic education principles enabling the graduate to instruct new
employees and students.

II 10. HAS ABILITY TO MODIFY AND/OR EVALUATE NEW PROCEDURES
Utilizes basic investigative skills and scientific acumen in the evaluation, modification,
and design of test methodologies.

III 11. COMPLIES WITH SAFETY GUIDELINES AND PROCEDURES AS REQUIRED BY EMPLOYERS AND REGULATORY
AGENCIES
Adheres to CDC guidelines for health care workers (i.e., Standard Precautions) and
has knowledge of OSHA/TOSHA Standards (i.e., Right to Know Laws).